Two men arrested in dealership burglary

Savannah-Chatham police arrested two men and recovered a stolen vehicle after several burglaries of automobile dealerships in Savannah's south side this morning, said police spokesman Julian Miller.

He said the men were apprehended after patrol officers from several precincts and a police canine officer searched a wooded area behind Critz Buick GMC in the 7000 block of Abercorn Street just after midnight.

Southside precinct officers had responded to a burglary at the dealership in which a vehicle was used to remove a gate and fence to leave the lot, police said.

A sport utility vehicle believed to have been taken after the burglary was reportedly seen at Vaden Signature dealership nearby. Officers reported observing the vehicle driving erratically and then stop behind another business on Abercorn before the occupants ran into the wooded area.

One man was apprehended by police after being chased out of the wooded area by police dog K-9 Flash and the other was located hiding in the woods by the canine, said Miller. He said Flash bit the suspect on the arm when he failed to cooperate.

At the time of the apprehension, a police officer reportedly suffered a medical condition and was transported to Memorial University Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition this morning.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637). In the body type, include "CStop2020" plus the tip. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.